Denon AVR-X550BT, AVR-X250BT home cinema on a budget
Denon has just been in touch to let us know about a pair of exceptional entry-level AV receivers, the AVR-X550BT and AVR-X250BT. More importantly, they are released at an incredibly competitive price point.
Denon is a well-known audio brand to most. So, when they tell us that they have a couple of new home cinema amplifiers under the £300 mark, we needed to know more.
Promising the company’s revered, class-leading audio capability alongside a whole host of advanced features, the AVR-X550BT and AVR-X250BT look to be the perfect first step for home cinema starters.
Denon AVR-X550BT
The AVR-X550BT’s spec list includes full 4K compatibility, Dolby Vision, HDR (High Dynamic Range), HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), ARC (Audio Return Channel) and Bluetooth wireless audio streaming. Furthermore, it pumps all this techno wizardry down a single HDMI cable to your TV.
It might be packing an intimidating list of acronyms but it is impressively simple to install, set up and operate. This comes via Denon’s class-leading guided Setup Assistant and Graphical User Interface. Additionally, the AVR-X550BT comes with a microphone that allows the user to calibrate the model to individual rooms for the best audio performance. Moreover, the dedicated 500 Series app lets you control the AVR-X550BT from your phone.
The design’s 130W output, driven by high current discrete power amplifiers on each of its five channels, means the model has more than enough power to deliver all your home cinema thrills and spills. Meanwhile, its on-board Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding offers blockbusting sound from high resolution audio formats. As a 5.2 design it can also handle two subwoofers, for those that require even more low frequency power.
Naturally, if streaming from your phone is your thing, the AVR’s baked-in Bluetooth capability will prove handy. Also, this can remember up to eight devices. Completing the package are five HDMI inputs, so you can hook up every device imaginable.
Denon AVR-X250BT
The AVR-X250BT comes with a slightly reduced feature set but an even more attractive price.
You still get 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through, HDR, HLG, ARC and HDMI CEC. Also, there’s 5 HDMI inputs with full HDCP 2.2 support (on 3 inputs).
The X250BT is a 5.1 channel AV Receiver with 130W per channel with Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, you get Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
Price and availability
The AVR-X550BT (£299) and AVR-X250BT (£229) will be available in June 2018 through Richer Sounds.
For more information please visit www.denon.com.
